Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 499

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 11, 1941: Lend-Lease expanded to include Free French based in Britain.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 10, 1941: US Army updates uniform regulations: Parsons field jacket and M1 steel helmet added.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 9, 1941: Germans take Yalta in Crimea.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 8, 1941: Germans take Tikhvin, endangering supply of besieged Leningrad.

Thoughts for This Veteran's Day 11/11/11

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the First World War came to an end.

The Armistice was signed for the War to End All Wars, but peace was built on a shoddy foundation, and war returned, nastier than ever. The end of the Second World War brought the United Nations and the promise of rational negotiation and eternal peace. Instead the nuclear era introduced the tense decades of the Cold War, flaring up in brutal regional wars in Korea, Vietnam, and throughout Africa and Central and South America. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall brought optimism for a peaceful, democratic world. This was shattered by the terrorist tactics of a new enemy without borders to attack or a government to negotiate with. A cowardly enemy that cheers when children blow up children or when unarmed soldiers are murdered on their home base.

The human heart yearns for peace but is drawn to war. We can argue about it and say it shouldn't be this way, but it is.

That's why our armed services are vital. Our veterans have repelled the forces of Fascism, Totalitarianism, and Communism, and for this we owe them our eternal gratitude. Our active servicemen and servicewomen are currently fighting the forces of Islamic Terrorism, and for this we owe them our active support and appreciation.

On this 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year of the new millenium, we thank the members of our armed services, past and present, for protecting our lives, our homes, and our freedom. May God bless you in your efforts.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 5, 1941: Japanese Imperial Conference, including emperor, decides to go to war against US, UK, and Netherlands in early December if demands not met. Joint Board of the US Army and Navy agrees primary objective to defeat Germany, avoid war with Japan.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 4, 1941: Finns recapture naval base of Hanko, Finland from Soviets.

Book Beat - Remembering You by Tricia Goyer

[image error] I've always enjoyed Tricia Goyer's novels for her moving stories and comprehensive World War II historical research, so I jumped at the chance to read her newest novel, Remembering You .

Ava Andrews's career as a TV morning show producer is in trouble. When she's asked to accompany her Grandpa Jack on a European tour of his unit's World War II battlefields, she sees the chance to rescue her career with a heartwarming series of veteran features—and to revive her relationship with her grandfather. However, Grandpa Jack is less than thrilled that Ava brought her recording equipment, and Ava is less than thrilled that her grandfather's war buddy, "Grand-Paul," brought his grandson Dennis. Ava's first love. As they trek through France, Belgium, Germany, and Austria, tensions flare and secrets are revealed. Can Ava save her career, and can she repair the relationships with her grandfather and Dennis?

Remembering You takes you on a scenic tour of Europe with secrets, history, romance, and tension around every bend. History lovers will appreciate Tricia Goyer's research and detail, and story lovers will delight in four fascinating characters with clashing goals. I highly recommend this novel.[image error]

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 3, 1941: Germans take Kursk. The Last Tycoon by F. Scott Fitzgerald published posthumously.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Nov. 2, 1941: Tatsuta Maru leaves Honolulu with Japanese nationals leaving US; last passenger ship to leave US for Japan before war begins.